If you've been to Bethany at any point in the last two years, you've probably noticed a big project in our backyard. It's not our project, but our neighbors at Cottage Grove Place have been building a massive addition to their facilities to better serve their residents and patients.

I remember what it was like when the project first started. It was just a giant pit—lots of dirt, and not much else. As work progressed, we started to see a foundation and framing. Then came drywall, siding, roofing, plumbing, electricity, windows, paint… (I’m just throwing out words that sound right; I don’t actually know anything about construction). Throughout the entire time, things seemed messy, as I suppose most construction zones are. Piles of materials would stack up, trucks would leave behind a film of dirt everywhere they went, and it just wasn’t very pretty to look at.

However, the project is finally starting to come together, and final touches are being put into place. The building stands tall, and landscapers are working on making the grounds beautiful. What was once messy and incomplete for such a long time is now becoming something lovely and grand.

It has been cool to see it come together over time. I could never notice a difference from day to day, but of course the progress made over two years is evident.

I think this is what life feels like sometimes. We go through periods of time that feel messy and incomplete, and we wonder how long we have to wait until life will be lovely and grand. Perhaps you’ve experienced loss, abuse, hate, addiction, separation, or anything else that is a result of living in a sinful world. Perhaps you’re dealing with the effects of your own sin, and you feel like you’re covered in a layer of dirt that won’t go away.

It can be frustrating when these issues don’t go away overnight, and you feel like you’ll suffer forever. If you’re feeling this way, remember that God will not give up on you! We have hope because God sent His son Jesus to save and restore. God is working on refining you, and this takes time. Be patient with yourself, and be patient with God. It may take years and there will be messes along the way, but don’t lose hope in the fact that you are under construction and God is hard at work.